a/n
I felt bad about not updating in a while, so I decided to write this. I usually think about what I'm going to do before I start typing a new chapter, but I'm completely winging it this time. Sorry if this one isn't as good, but I didn't think it through at all, and I'm not sure where It'll start, or go, as I type this. I just didn't want to wait any longer. I hope you like it.
…
"No. Oh, no, it's happening again, isn't it?" I looked at my newfound friend with fear. "Dib, I can't explain much right now. There's no time, but Dib… I'm sick, Dib." And with that, he fell asleep. As I'm sure you can guess, I panicked. 'It's just like before! It's happening all over again! What's going on!' Everything raced through my mind at insane speeds. I'm no expert on irken physiology, but passing out twice in two days can't be great for anyone's bodily functions. I tried to wake him up through the time-tested method of yelling and shaking the unconscious Irken. Zim must be one heck of a deep sleeper, because he didn't even stir after fifteen minutes of screaming my head off and shaking him like… like something that you shake. Yeah.
Anyway, after a while I gave up, figuring that his PAK was keeping him asleep for whatever reason. I sat back and thought about what he'd said. 'What does he mean he's sick? Sick with what? Is it contagious? Is it lethal?' After that last one, my traitorous brain took me on a tangent, giving me some particularly disturbing mental images of what might happen if Zim had caught certain diseases, the most disgusting being leprosy. Eventually, my creepy thoughts became creepy dreams. I won't get into it, but I'll tell you this: It is not fun to imagine what an Irken might look like with late-stage necrotizing fasciitis.
I woke up later, and looking out the window, realized that it was late. Probably about 10:30 or so at night. I briefly wondered if Gaz or my dad were worried about me not being home in two days, but I quickly dismissed the thought. Dad was at some science convention in Nunavut, and Gaz would probably be able to guess where I was, if she actually cared where I went. As long as I'm there for family night, and I stay away from her bedroom, I'm ok.
I looked at the couch, and saw that Zim was still asleep. I sighed. He vaguely resembled a kitten, curled up like that. Although he looked like a bug more than anything. Big, single-colored eyes, green skin, antennae. Even his uniform reminded me of a bug for some reason. He was like a praying mantis, a beetle, a roach, an ant and a ladybug all mixed together. I sighed again, and looked back down at him. Everything had changed, all in two days. I had almost forgotten about that day, so recent, but feeling so distant. The day that changed everything. Well, really it was just that moment. All it took was a conversation, and two years of hatred were flung out the window. That scared me a little, to be honest. It only took a few sentences to change the course of a life. The world could be a very different place if people would speak honestly instead of lying or fighting. I shivered, imagining how much nicer things could be if humans weren't always out to get more than their money's worth.
I leaned back, letting the plush cushions nearly engulf me. If I had been much smaller, I would've disappeared into the magenta fabric. My mind flashed back to Zim's most recent episode. 'What's going on?' I asked myself. 'Why me? He could've chosen anyone else as his friend, but I'm the one who ends up stuck with him.' A voice in the back of my head answered me. 'He knows you. How could he trust anyone he doesn't know?''You again.' I thought bitterly. 'I thought I got rid of you months ago!' 'You can't get rid of me, Dib. I am part of you. To be rid of me would do you as good as to be rid of your arm. You can't function properly without me. You would be as insane as your classmates claim you to be.''What do you want?' 'I do not want anything. It is you who wanted the truth, yes?Well, I have come to give it to you. You ask why Zim chose you? Well, who else would he choose? You're the only one he knows well, and therefore the only one he can bring himself to trust. He probably needs you the same way you need me. Without you, what would he be left with? A number of dysfunctional robots, an Empire that doesn't want him and no sense of purpose. Perhaps...'The voice trailed off, seemingly uncertain of how to proceed. 'Perhaps what?' 'You may need him as well. I'd bet you could replace me with your alien friend. Why not try? He's probably more pleasant to talk to than a voice in your head.'Said voice abruptly disappeared, leaving only his words to smolder in my head. I growled at the invasion of my thoughts by that... well... I'm actually not sure what the heck he is. I've looked at every possibility I could find, but nothing seems quite right. I know he isn't a disease, and I know I'm not crazy. All I can thing to call him is a voice. maybe a conscience?
I thought over what the voice told me. 'Is he right? Do I really need Zim? Why would I?' These questions echoed in my mind until I traded my awareness to the late night and slept.
...
I wrote up to chapter 4, didn't look at it for a day, then finished it today. I have a newfound love of AbiWord. :) I hope that conversation made sense. Dib was pretty much arguing with himself. The bold/italic part is the "voice", and the regular is Dib. Hope you enjoyed it, because It was probably the improvisation chapter I've ever done. Actually, it's the only improvisation chapter I've ever done. But that's not saying a whole lot, since I've written a total of 6 chapters between both of my stories. Don't worry, I'll fix that :)